Medical device case

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates generally to embodiments disclosing a case designed to contain both a smartphone and a medical device, such as an epinephrine auto-injector. The case contains allows both the smartphone and the medical device to remain within the case while the case is being transported. The case may also include a release mechanism for releasing the medical device from the case.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 14/637,259, filed Mar. 3, 2015 which claimspriority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/946,888, filedMar. 3, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entiretyas if fully set forth herein.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a case for a medical device, suchas an epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector, asthma inhaler, and thelike.

BACKGROUND

Millions of Americans suffer from a potentially life-threatening from ofallergy called anaphylaxis. Within seconds to minutes of the reaction,morbidity and mortality can ensue unless epinephrine is injectedintramuscularly immediately. The most common cause of anaphylaxis isallergies due to foods but anaphylaxis can also occur with stinginginsects (such as bees), latex and be due to unknown causes (idiopathicanaphylaxis.) The prevalence of anaphylaxis has risen dramatically overthe last years for unclear reasons and continues to increase.

Most, if not all individuals diagnosed with anaphylaxis are prescribedinjectable epinephrine (adrenaline), which can be life-saving and is asimportant as defibrillators but must be available immediately.Epinephrine auto-injectors are available via brands such as EpiPen™Auvi-Q™, a generic injector manufactured by Lineage Therapeutics, orsimilar injectors such as those made in countries outside the UnitedStates.

The problem is that an auto-injector must be available on the spot. Mostfatalities from anaphylaxis occur outside the home such that carrying anauto-injector on the person or adult attending the child is paramount.

Millions of other people suffer from other ailments that require amedical device, such as an asthma inhaler. These people also must haveimmediate access to their medical device.

In addition, most people carry a portable smartphone, belt, or the like,with them at all times. But carrying an auto-injector or other medicaldevice separately is bulky and difficult and often the device isforgotten at home out of reach for immediate utilization.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for methods and apparatus forcarrying a medical device.

Provided herein is a system for carrying a medical device, such as anepinephrine auto-injector that is both convenient and easy for users.Because most individuals now carry an electronic phone/smartphone, insome embodiments is disclosed is a system for allowing users to easilycarry both their smartphone and their medical device.

In a related aspect, provided is method for carrying a medical device,such as an epinephrine auto-injector, without a smartphone.

As used herein, a smartphone can include, but is not limited to, aniPhone, Android phone, Blackberry, mobile phone, tablet, or any otherportable handheld computing device that easily fits within a pocket.

As used herein, a medical device can include, but is not limited to anepinephrine auto-injector, an asthma inhaler, a diabetes devices, analbuterol inhaler, an Insulin pen, a lancet, a blood glucose meter, ablood glucose tester, a syringe, a thermometer, a sphygmomanometer, apulse oximeter, a patch, a spray (such as a nasal spray), a hearing aid,glasses, contact lenses, eye drops, ear drops, lip balm, a pill, a pillholder, and the like.

Provided in some embodiments is a case that includes: a first pocketdesigned to contain a smartphone; a second pocket designed to contain amedical device; and a containment device for containing the medicaldevice within the case.

In some embodiments, a method for carrying a medical device includes:providing a smartphone carrying case comprising a first pocket for asmartphone and a second pocket for a medical device; inserting thesmartphone into the first pocket of the carrying case; inserting themedical device into the second pocket carrying case; transporting thecarrying case with both the smartphone and the medical device; andremoving the medical device from the carrying case.

In some embodiments, a medical device case is provided that includes: acontainer designed to contain a medical device; a locking cap thatcontains the medical device within the container; and an attachment thatis designed to releasably attach the case to a secondary device.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter describedherein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the descriptionbelow. Other features and advantages of the subject matter describedherein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1a is top view disclosing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1b is top view disclosing another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2a is top view disclosing another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2b is top view disclosing another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view disclosing another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a case of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of an embodiment of a case of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6a shows a side view of an embodiment of a case of the presentinvention that holds a medical device.

FIG. 6b shows a side view of an embodiment of a case of the presentinvention that holds a medical device.

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of an embodiment of a case of the presentinvention that holds at least one pill.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a case of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following description and the drawings illustrate specificembodiments sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to practicethe system and method described. Other embodiments may incorporatestructural, logical, process and other changes. Examples merely typifypossible variations. Individual components and functions are generallyoptional unless explicitly required, and the sequence of operations mayvary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in orsubstituted for those of others.

As shown in the attached figures, embodiments comprising a carrying casefor carrying a medical device such as an epinephrine auto-injector aredisclosed.

In at least one embodiment, a dedicated protective pocket for thesmartphone includes a form fitting pocket for the medical device. Thepocket comprises plastic, rubber or any other material currentlyemployed in the manufacturing of smartphone protectors, covers and/orhousings.

In another embodiment, a carrying case includes a pocket designed tohouse a medical device and a pocket for holding the epinephrineauto-injector to the smartphone. The pocket can be just large enough toattach the medical device to the smartphone or slightly larger to holdadditional items in addition to the medical device, such asinstructions, money, credit cards, or the like.

An embodiment also shows how to deal with the issue of when thesmartphone starts to overheat or gets hot. A protective material such asa layer of rubber or other non-conducting material is inserted in thepocket for the smartphone to protect the medical device from excessiveheat that may be emitted by the smartphone.

The embodiments shown herein can be in multiple/different colors andpatterns to be pleasing to the user. Other embodiments can provide forthe skins that allow the outside color or pattern to be changed by theuser without having to buy an entirely new carrying case. These skinscan be changed at will by the user, such that every day, month, year, orthe like, the user can alter the outside appearance of the carryingcase.

FIG. 1a shows a top view of an embodiment of a carrying case 100 of thepresent invention. The case 100 includes a first pocket 105 for thesmartphone 110 (indicated as an iPhone™) and a second pocket 125 for themedical device 130 (indicated as Auvi-Q™). The first pocket 105 can bemolded to fit the particular smartphone being used, such as being moldedto fit an iPhone™, or can be a generic pocket designed to fit mostsmartphones. A rubber insert or other protective material 140 can beplaced between the smartphone and the medical device to prevent thetransmission of heat from the smartphone to the medical device. Theprotective material 140 can be just behind the smartphone 110 or canextend the entire length between the smartphone 140 and the medicaldevice 130.

A containment device is used to keep the medical device 130 within asecond pocket 125. The containment device can be, for example, a flap, acover (such as a lid or cap), a plastic covering, a clip, a zipperedcover, a snap, Velcro™, rubberized material within the pocket 125, orthe like. Alternatively still, other devices can be used to containingthe medical device 130 within the second pocket 125, including achild-proof lock, a locking mechanism that locks using a mechanical ordigital device, a combination lock (such as one having 2, 3, 4 or moredials), a twisting mechanism, a pinch/push/and/or pull mechanism, abiometric lock, a touch ID lock, a voice-activated lock, a lockrequiring a passcode, a lock requiring a geometric pattern to unlock, alock requiring a pin or alpha-numeric passcode, or the like.

In another embodiment, the case includes a plastic material snuglyenclosing the middle of the medical device 130 while the sides includeC-shaped clips that attach the medical device to the smartphone,containing the medical device. The clips may or may not be adjustablevia a ratchet, pinion or rack or cable-tie system to allow the tensionto be adjusted to grip the medical device so as to mount it safely tothe smartphone.

In one embodiment, a flap can be placed to cover the top of a medicaldevice 130. The flap allows for the removal of the medical device. If aflap is used, one end of the flap can connect to the case using a snap,button, Velcro, magnets, ties, or the like. Alternatively, the flap canbe zippered open and closed. When the medical device is to be removed,the user disconnects or opens the flap (such as by unsnapping it) andthen is able to grasp the medical device from the case.

Some medical devices, such as an Auvi-Q™, are contained within its ownhousing. The entire Auvi-Q™ housing can be placed in the second pocket125. When the user desires to remove the medical device 130, the medicaldevice housing can remain in the second pocket with just the part of themedical device containing the medicine being removed. Alternatively, theentire medical device 130, including its own housing, can be removed.

The second pocket 125 can be of varying size or shape, depending on whatmedical device was desired to be contained within the pocket 125.Alternatively still, the pocket could be larger to allow other items toalso be contained in the pocket, such as money, coins, credit cards,identification cards such as a driver's license, a condom, anothermedical device, bandages, candy, small pills, and the like.Alternatively still, the other items could be contained in a thirdpocket on the case 100.

Alternatively, the second pocket 125 can be designed to hold two or moremedical devices. Alternatively still, the second pocket 125 can bedesigned to hold two medical devices and include a clip to connect thetwo medical devices (such as two EpiPen™ devices). In anotherembodiment, a graspable or gripping material is used within the case toallow for easier removal of the medical device from the case.

Alternatively, the bottom of the second pocket can have a hole. The holecan serve as a release mechanism whereby the user can insert his or herfinger into the hole to push up on the medical device to release it fromthe second pocket 125. Other release mechanisms can be used to helpsecure and then remove the medical device to the case. These releasemechanisms can include an area around the second pocket that allows themedical device to be grasped, a flap that covers the medical device thatis opened when the medical device is to be removed (wherein the flap isreleasably attached to the case to close, or just closes), a springmechanism that uses the spring to push the medical device out (forexample when a button is pushed), a pull tab to pull up on the medicaldevice, a handle to grab the medical device, an open area in the pocketto grasp the medical device, or other mechanisms to remove the medicaldevice.

In an alternative embodiment, the medical device is attached to analready existing case, such as a protective housing or cover. Thisembodiment includes a plastic material enclosing the middle of theepinephrine auto-injector while the sides of the case include clips,such as C-shaped clips, that attach the medical device to thesmartphone. The clips could be adjustable via a ratchet, pinion or rackor cable-tie system that allows the tension to be adjusted to grip themedical device so as to mount it safely to the smartphone.

FIG. 1b shows an alternative embodiment where the medical device 130rests on the back of the smartphone 110. The case 100 can be designedsuch that the first and second pockets are connected, allowing themedical device and the smartphone to touch one another. In anotherembodiment, multiple pockets are used whereby each additional pocketholds another medical device.

FIG. 2a shows show an alternative embodiment where a clip 260 is used tokeep the medical device 130 releasably attached to the smartphone 110 orin the second pocket 125. The clip 260 can use a snap 265, button,Velcro, zipper, magnets, ties, or the like.

A tension 270 and 280 can be used to keep the medical device 130connected to the smartphone 110. The tension 270 and 280 can beadjustable, such as in a horizontal or a vertical direction (or both).The tension can be adjusted using a ratchet system that is adjustable,cable or zip ties, bands (made out of for example rubber or elastic) orother clips. The ends of the attachment mechanism can include one ormore lips 290 that include rubber tips to protect the smartphone fromthe attachment mechanism. The lips 290 may be used to keep thesmartphone 110 in the first pocket 105.

In one embodiment, the tension 270 and 280 can be adjusted using aratchet system to adjust the tension used to secure the medical deviceto the smartphone. The tension can be adjusted in multiple directions.

FIG. 2b shows an alternative embodiment where a band 295, such as madeof a stretchable material like rubber or elastic, is used to secure themedical device 130 within the second pocket.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of an embodiment of a case of the presentinvention. The second pocket 125 includes three spaces 335 that allowthe medical device 130 to be releasably grasped from the pocket 125.There can be one space, two spaces, four spaces, or any number of spacesin the pocket. The pocket can be specifically molded to fit a particularmedical device, or a generic sized pocket. If the medical device is anAuvi-Q™, the pocket could be shaped to fit the Auvi-Q™. If the medicaldevice is an asthma inhaler, the pocket could be shaped to fit theinhaler. If the medical device is an EpiPen™, the pocket could be shapedto fit the EpiPen™, and so on.

A protective sheet or cover 140 can be used between the second pocketand the smartphone, to protect the medical device from the smartphone,and the medical device from being subjected to excessive heat from thesmartphone.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an embodiment of a case of the presentinvention that holds an EpiPen. A cover 445 lifts open to insert acarrier tube of an EpiPen. Alternatively, the cover can be the lid tothe housing for the EpiPen carrier tube. In this embodiment, the EpiPenis held behind the smartphone although it could be in the front. When auser desires to remove the EpiPen from the case 100, the cover 445 fromthe case can be removed or flipped open. Then the EpiPen is removed. Thecover 445 prevents the EpiPen from falling out while the case is in use.Alternatively, elastic or other stretchable material can be used to helpcontain the EpiPen in the pocket. Alternatively, there is no cover tothe case and the EpiPen is contained in the case by friction caused bythe case being form fitted just to fit the EpiPen, such that the EpiPenis released by grasping on the EpiPen by the user and pulling up—in suchan instance the user would remove the EpiPen, flip open the cover to thecarrier tube, and then use the device. Alternatively still, a hole orpushing mechanism is on the underside of the pocket holding the EpiPensuch that user pushes his or her finger through the hole to push up onthe EpiPen to release it from the case.

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of an embodiment of a case of the presentinvention that holds an EpiPen. The lens 412 of the smartphone is shownthrough the case 100. The pocket 125 holding the EpiPen is shown. Again,a cover 445 can be used that flips open when the EpiPen is to beinserted into the case or removed from the case.

FIG. 6a shows a side view of an embodiment of a case 100 of the presentinvention that holds an inhaler medical device 630. The pocket 625 thatholds the inhaler may be specifically shaped and designed to fit snugglyaround the inhaler. A hole 665 can be used on the bottom of the pocketto help remove the medical device. Alternatively, the pocket can be lesssnug such that other items such as money, instructions, or a credit cardcould also be inserted into the pocket.

In one embodiment, when the medical device 630 is needed, it is pulledout of the pocket 625. In another embodiment, a cap 675 is releasablyattached to the pocket 625 such that the user can use the medical device630 without having to remove the medical device 630 from the pocket 625.In another embodiment, there is no cap 675.

In one embodiment, the medical device 630 is an inhaler. The cap of theinhaler is removed prior to inserting it into the pocket 625. Whenneeded to be used, the cap 675 of the pocket 625 is opened and theinhaler is used directly from the pocket 625. Alternatively, the inhaleris removed from pocket 625 prior to use.

FIG. 6b shows a side view of another embodiment of a case 100 of thepresent invention that holds an inhaler medical device 630. Pocket 627can comprise a stretchable material such as elastic or a rubber bandthat contains the medical device 630 within the pocket. The stretchablematerial can be affixed to the case or releasably attached to the case,using Velcro, buttons, snaps, a zipper, or the like. In this embodiment,the medical device 630 can be used while still in pocket 627 (such as byremoving the inhaler's cap and using the inhaler while contained inpocket 627) or alternatively, the medical device 630 can be removed frompocket 627 and then used.

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of an embodiment of a case of the presentinvention that includes a container 725 that holds at least one pill.The lens 712 of the smartphone is shown through the case 100. The atleast one pill can be a number of pills or just one pill for anemergency. The at least one pill can be a medical pill, a vitamin, asupplement, or the like. At least one pill compartment 725 is used tohold the pills. The at least one compartment 725 holding the at leastone pill can be, for example, on the side or back of the case. If thereare multiple compartments 728, each can hold a single pill or multiplepills. The multiple compartments 728 can be labeled, for example, AM,PM, Evening, Noon, or the like. The labels can be removable andchangeable. The compartment 725 can be releasably attached to the case,using Velcro, buttons, snaps, a zipper, or the like. Each compartment728 can have a snap lid or other type of cover to hold in the pill. Thepill compartment 725 can be used in conjunction with the second pocketfor holding a medical device, or it can be used without a second pocketfor holding a medical device. In other words, the at least onecompartment 725 can be used with or without a pocket for holding anothermedical device.

In one embodiment, the medical device can contain a Blue-tooth emitter.Alternatively, the Blue-tooth emitter is attached to the medical device.The emitter allows a user to know if the case contains or does notcontain the medical device. In one embodiment, a smartphone app is usedto determine the proximity of the medical device to the case orsmartphone. For example, the app can be used to communicate to a useronce the medical device (containing the Blue-tooth emitter) is furtherthan a specified distance. This allows the user to make sure he or shedoes not leave home or some other area (such as work or a restaurant)without the medical device in the case. An example of the Blue-toothemitter is the Tile™, made by Tile Inc.

The case can be made of a variety of different materials, such asplastic, rubber, wood, a composite, porcelain, mother of pearl, metal,or the like.

In another embodiment, case 100 contains the medical device but is notattached to a smartphone, rather instead to a belt, helmet or otherlocation. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a case 100 of the presentinvention. The case 100 includes a container 825. The container 825holds the medical device 830. The container 825 includes an attachment885 that allows the container to be releasably attached to a secondarydevice, such as a smartphone, belt, helmet or the like. The attachment885 can be a belt clip, a belt loop, a strap, an adhesive, a snap, abutton, Velcro, a magnet, a tie, or the like.

The container 825 further comprises a locking cap 830. The locking cap830 is designed to contain the medical device and keep the medicaldevice within the case 100. It also prevents children from accessing themedical device without adult supervision, and/or prevents unwantedaccess to the medical device.

The locking cap 830 can be a child-proof cap, such as a twist and pushor twist and pull locking cap. The locking cap 830 can alternatively bea locking mechanism that locks using a mechanical or digital device, acombination lock (such as one having 2, 3, 4 or more dials), a twistingmechanism, a pinch/push/and/or pull mechanism, a biometric lock, a touchID lock, a voice-activated lock, a lock requiring a passcode, a lockrequiring a geometric pattern to unlock, a lock requiring a pin oralpha-numeric passcode, or any other similar method described herein.

The smartphone can include a computer having a display device fordisplaying information to the user, a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g.,a mouse or a trackball), and/or a touchscreen by which the user canprovide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used toprovide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedbackprovided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visualfeedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from theuser can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactileinput.

Although a few variations have been described in detail above, othermodifications or additions are possible. In particular, further featuresand/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein.For example, the implementations described above can be directed tovarious combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed featuresand/or combinations and sub-combinations of several further featuresdisclosed above. Similarly, elements located on the front, back, side,top, or bottom of an embodiment or implementation are to be understoodas relatively positioned, unless otherwise specified. Other embodimentscan be within the scope of the claims.

This application is intended to cover any variations, uses oradaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles ofthe invention, and including such departures from the present disclosureas come within known and customary practice within the art to which theinvention pertains. The foregoing description of specific embodimentsreveals the general nature of the disclosure sufficiently that otherscan, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt thesystem and method for various applications without departing from thegeneral concept. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications arewithin the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosedembodiments. The phraseology or terminology employed herein is for thepurpose of description and not of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A case comprising: a first pocket configured tocontain a smartphone; a second pocket adjacent to the first pocket andconfigured to contain a medical device, wherein the medical device isselected from the group consisting of an epinephrine auto-injector, aninhaler, and at least one pill; and a release mechanism for removing themedical device from the case, wherein the release mechanism comprises ahole in the second pocket.
 2. The case of claim 1 wherein the releasemechanism for removing the medical device from the case furthercomprises a spring.
 3. The case of claim 1 wherein the release mechanismfurther comprises a flap or a clip.
 4. The case of claim 1, furthercomprising a protective material between the first pocket and the secondpocket, wherein the protective material is configured to protect themedical device when the smartphone becomes hot.
 5. The case of claim 1further comprising a Blue-tooth emitter that is configured to allow thesmartphone to communicate with the medical device.
 6. The case of claim1, wherein the second pocket comprises a pill compartment.
 7. The caseof claim 6 wherein the pill compartment comprises at least twocontainers and is designed to hold at least one pill in each container.8. The case of claim 1, wherein the medical device is substantiallycylindrical.
 9. The case of claim 1, wherein the medical device issubstantially flat on at least two sides.
 10. A method for carrying amedical device comprising: providing a smartphone carrying casecomprising a first pocket for a smartphone, a second pocket for amedical device, and a protective material between the first pocket andthe second pocket, which is configured to protect the medical devicewhen the smartphone becomes hot; inserting the smartphone into the firstpocket of the carrying case, wherein the first pocket wraps around thesmartphone; inserting the medical device into the second pocket carryingcase, wherein the second pocket wraps around the medical device, whereinthe medical device is selected from the group consisting of anepinephrine auto-injector, an inhaler, and at least one pill;transporting the carrying case with both the smartphone and the medicaldevice; and utilizing a release mechanism to remove the medical devicefrom the carrying case.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step ofutilizing a release mechanism to remove the medical device from thecarrying case further comprises utilizing a hole in the second pocket.12. The method of claim 10, wherein removing the medical devicecomprises opening a containment device and then removing the medicaldevice from the second pocket.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein thecontainment device further comprises a clip or a flap.
 15. The method ofclaim 10 further comprising using the medical device while in the secondpocket.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the medical device issubstantially cylindrical.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein themedical device is substantially flat on at least two sides.
 18. A casecomprising: a first pocket configured to contain a smartphone, whereinthe first pocket is configured to protect the smartphone; a secondpocket configured to contain a medical device, wherein the medicaldevice is selected from the group consisting of an epinephrineauto-injector, an inhaler, and at least one pill; a release mechanismthat is configured to remove the medical device from the case; and aprotective material between the first pocket and the second pocket. 19.The case of claim 18, wherein the release mechanism comprises a hole ina bottom of the second pocket.
 20. The case of claim 18, wherein thesecond pocket comprises a pill compartment.